Freeing Our Personal Power

Freeing Our Personal Power

The path of the warrior is an approach to life that aims to maximize our potential and deepen our relationship with the Universe. Warriorship focuses on inner transformation and views the world through the lens of energy and power. A warrior is someone who seeks freedom through choice, takes radical responsibility for their actions, and is a master of their intent. There is much to be gained by walking this path and increasing and freeing our personal power, even for the most novice warrior. Understanding that the path is not a place you reach, rather a process of continued self-mastery. As Robert Spencer describes it in The Craft of the Warrior, “….it provides a strategic blueprint for self-organization.”

What is a Warrior?

In her book, Warrior Goddess Training, HeatherAsh Amara explains warriors in this way, “Warrior energy is a combination of focus, dedication, purpose, and determination. Consciously bringing these things together gives us power.” This quest for power is really about our pursuit of growth and personal evolution. It is about wanting to dive deep into the mystery and magnificence of the Universe and living with the knowledge that we are part of that magnificence. A warrior is humbled by this truth and lives accordingly.

What is Personal Power?

We are all born with a certain amount of personal power. Some describe it as a form of life force energy that allows for our existence. However, a warrior is interested in more than just existing. To do this, she must deepen her relationship with the Unknown. Our personal power expands as our knowledge of one’s self, and the Universe deepens. The more personal power we have, the more able we are to traverse the unknown realms. It is the fuel of the warrior, and through our awareness and heightened perception, we engage in an energetic relationship with everything around us. Personal power allows us to transcend, transmute and transform ourselves in powerful ways. 

Our use and acquiring of this power in efficient and effective ways is what the Toltecs call impeccability. As a spiritual guide, don Juan Matus said, “Impeccability is nothing else but the proper use of energy.” Some call this our ability to do or take action in the world in alignment with our intent. So, as we take conscious effort and use our energy efficiently and effectively, we build our personal power.

The Path With Heart

Carlos Castaneda writes, “It is the consistent choice of the path with heart which makes a warrior different from the average man.” The path with heart looks different for everyone, but it aligns with your essence, enjoyment, and development. It is a path that strengthens you, challenges you, and is chosen with purpose and meaning at its core. A warrior knows that death is their eternal companion, and no matter what path we choose, they all lead to the same place. Because the warrior faces the inevitability of death, they decide to live life in its fullest expression. If a path no longer fits or brings joy, the warrior is free to choose differently. 

Many of the choices a warrior makes along their path may go unnoticed to the uninitiated. But a warrior seeks the mystery and moves between the known and unknown worlds. As soon as certainty sets in, the warrior is no longer walking the path with heart. A warrior views the Universe as an unfathomable mystery that can never be known yet is always seeking to unravel her mysteries. This keeps a warrior flexible and engaged with life from a place of joy and curiosity rather than a rigid certainty. 

This does not mean the path is without struggle. Struggle is an inherent part of expansion and development. In Journey to Ixtlan, many things need to be overcome on a warrior’s path. don Juan Matus talks about erasing personal history, disrupting routines, losing self-importance, and dropping habits. All of these things bind our power and keep us within the confines of the ordinary world. 

Losing Personal Power

There are many ways in which we lose or bind our power. Habits are considered a power sink because they bind our power rather than drain it. In The Craft of the Warrior, Robert Spencer writes, “A power sink is much like a pond or a lake in the desert with no outlet to the sea. Power collects there, but being unable to flow, it just evaporates.” So, one of the best ways to free up personal power is to give something up. Habits are performed without conscious thought, so we might think that since they require little thought that they use little power. But, anyone who has released a habit knows how much energy is involved in supporting it. Remember that habits aren’t just actions; we can have emotional and mental habits as well. 

For example, pretend you are giving up your morning danish. You may have omitted the action of eating the danish, but you spent most of the day thinking about how much you missed it. Those repetitive thoughts are also habits. It is not just about giving something up but doing so with impeccability or employing the proper use of your energy. Spending a good portion of the day lamenting the danish is not an efficient use. 

Power Leaks

Power leaks are another way to lose personal power. In the Warrior literature, one of the most significant ways we lose power is through identification. Or, to put it another way, the way we define ourselves by our roles, history, and various group identities is often defined by someone external to the self. Spencer writes, “First, identification produces a static quality in which permanence is both assumed and desired. Thus we can not adapt easily to the changing flux that life presents, and a great deal of power are used trying to minimize any changes that might threaten the stability of our identification or the way in which we define ourselves.”

Negative emotions are also described as a power leak. This doesn’t mean that she suppresses or represses healthy emotion, but a warrior would not act on it. In the literature, most authors view negative emotions stemming from over-identification and habitual patterns. Once someone can recognize the emotion without the mental overlay/construct, the emotion is just seen as energy moving through the body. Appropriate expressions of emotion, that is to say, emotions in proportion to the event, are using one’s energy impeccably. Dan Millman writes, “You don’t have to bring a thought or corresponding tension to life; you don’t have to dramatize it….as emotional obstructions are left undramatized, they’ll grow weaker until finally, they become obsolete.” 

Hunting Power

In addition to plugging leaks and unbinding power, there are things a warrior can do to acquire power. This power can be found in playing in the mystery and unknown realms. Engaging in activities that expand our relationship to the Universe. Crossing this threshold requires one to accept uncertainty and be able to sit with fear or confusion without trying to impose order. It also requires a heightened sense of perception that opens up to experiences rather than categorizing them. This means that a warrior leans more on their internal reference points than looking for external ones to explain their experience. 

It is not easy to put into words what it means to cross the threshold into the unknown. don Juan, called this non-ordinary reality the nagual. Or David Bohms’ description of the Implicate Order. A living awareness consisting of limitless potentialities, an unmanifest consciousness where all things are possible. For some, it is the use of rituals and techniques that alter states of consciousness. It could be engaging in active dreaming. Or it can be playing in the unknown even in the ordinary world by heightening our perceptions and awareness to notice the subtle shifts of energy, the negative space, or the webs of illusion that feed the consensus-based reality. 

These techniques that bring a warrior across the threshold into the unknown require being in the now moment. A warrior opens up to the world, listening with her inner ears and seeing with her inner sight. It is about feeling the world with your whole being and acting as both a receiver and transmitter of energy and power. 

Freedom & Discipline

It might seem counterintuitive in a perspective that values fluidity that discipline would be so highly valued. But in Warriorship, freedom is a product of discipline. Spencer describes, “To take the path with heart, then we must find a way of loosening our bonds with what has limited us. In doing so, we challenge our self-concepts, refocus our awareness, cut tethers to our beliefs, rechannel our emotions, open our senses to new perceptions, and find new filters through which to process information.” None of this happens by chance. It requires a conscious, concerted effort to move through these self-limiting behaviors to reach a place of freedom. It is the perfect alignment of intention and action. 

But the warrior understands that discipline must be in harmony with our ability to let go. After the preparations are made, skills learned and mastered; the warrior must be prepared to take action with the full force of her being. A warrior has control until they don’t, and then we must be able to release with abandon and detach from the outcome. A warrior’s freedom is found in this delicate dance of discipline and release. 

Detachment

Remaining detached is another critical attribute of the warrior’s path and to maintaining personal power. A warrior does not look through the lens of success and failure. She makes choices from the perspective of impeccability and not outcome. The warrior’s fluid nature allows her to take quick action and drop something if it is no longer aligned with her intent. When a person is attached, it creates a web of energy, linking our thoughts and emotions through story. Therefore investing and binding our personal power, making it less available and fluid. It is the intent, discipline, and detachment that allows for fluidity.

A warrior’s path is not always easy. And it will not be perfect. But, by following this path, we can transcend ordinary human awareness into a place of unlimited perception. As more of the unknowns become known and we understand there are many separate realities, we can manifest our full potential. A warrior can take leaps without needing explanation and is okay living outside the boundaries of what is considered normal. The real question is, how alive do you want to be? As don Juan Matus said, “We choose to be warriors or to be ordinary men. A second choice does not exist.”

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Dakota Earth Cloud Walker on Walking Many Paths

Dakota Earth Cloud Walker on Walking Many Paths

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In This Episode:

What does it take to step into the truth of who we are? How do we integrate and reconcile our many perspectives and interests? With curiosity and the Medicine Wheel as her guide, Dakota shares her personal journey to finding her sacred purpose. We talk about the value of ritual and ceremony and how to bring these elements into our daily life. Why individual change is essential to healing humanity. We explore the growing pains we feel as we birth a new world. And finally, Dakota leaves us with a way to navigate these anxious and chaotic times with heart and authenticity.

Dakota has a special gift for Chaos & Light listeners, receive 15% off any guided meditation using the coupon code chaosandlight at checkout.

 

About the Guest

Woman standing in the desert

 Dakota is an international teacher, author, speaker, and the founder of Gaia Wisdom School. She has trained with notable shamans in both the United States and in Ireland. She is trained and certified in Shamanic Breathwork, Trance Dance, Shamanic Soul Coaching, Celebrant, and Meditation. Dakota has worked in the Shamanic Arts for over 25 years and is a renowned teacher for the Medicine Wheel Teachings based on Celtic, Druidic, and Native American Spirituality.

 

 

 

 Links

Gaia Wisdom School https://dakotaearthcloud.com/

Dakota on Insight Timer https://insighttimer.com/dakotaearthcloud

The Chaos & Light Community www.chaosandlight.com

 

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Forgiveness: Seeing a Higher Perspective

Forgiveness: Seeing a Higher Perspective

“Accept whatever comes to you woven in the pattern of your destiny, for what could more aptly fit your needs?” 

 ~ Marcus Aurelius

What is Forgiveness?

One of the best descriptions that I read is that forgiveness is when you can pull your energy out of the situation. What does that mean exactly? It means that you are willing to drop the story you’ve created that allows you to remain justified in your pain. 

We often talk about forgiveness like it is an act done for the other person, but forgiveness is really about our desire to move forward. And it isn’t until we choose to let go of the story that legitimizes our pain that we are able to move on. That is why Caroline Myss describes forgiveness as a self-initiated act of transformation. Because it requires a deliberate and conscious choice to calm our ego’s incessant talk that continually informs us on why we are entitled to our hurt and anger.

How Do We Forgive?

According to Positive Psychology, forgiveness is a process that asks us to cultivate acceptance, see things from multiple perspectives, and re-write the story from those higher perspectives. The first step is accepting what is. Eckart Tolle wrote, “It seems that most people need to experience a great deal of suffering before they will relinquish resistance and accept — before they will forgive. As soon as they do, one of the greatest miracles happens….the transmutation of suffering into inner peace.”

(Here’s another animal guide meditation you might enjoy)

This is not about spiritual by-passing and suppressing our pain or hurt. It may take some time until we are ready to move forward. However, once we decide that we no longer want to identify with that story, we begin the path toward peace. 

A Soul-Level Perspective

Taking a bird’s eye view of the situation is one way to shift into acceptance. Can you witness the divinity in yourself and the other person? Do you trust in divine timing? As Myss writes, “From a cosmic perspective, your life is far more complex than you can measure by the influence of one or two relationships. There is a higher law that rules the spirit, a mystical law…”

Humans are messy and complicated. Forgiveness doesn’t mean that you condone another’s behavior or will forget that they have wronged you in some way. It just means that you aren’t willing to let it bind your energy any further. Are you ready to invite peace into your life? To be fully present in the here and now?

(more…)

Carrie Kohan on Near Death Experiences & Sacred Activism

Carrie Kohan on Near Death Experiences & Sacred Activism

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What happens after we die? Is there such a thing as heaven and hell? In this episode, Carrie Kohan shares the stories of her two near-death experiences. We explore how these NDEs changed her perspective on life, spirituality and our soul’s journey. She also shares how they compelled her, with direction from Spirit, to live a life of sacred activism. Helping to write 14 laws that protect children from sexual abuse. We also touch briefly on aliens, the Council of Men, and the angelic realms. It is a fascinating listen.

About the Guest

A womanCarrie Kohan is the author of The Five Lessons of Life, which is a life-changing book about her two near-death experiences. When Carrie returned from her second death, she became a Coach and Business Partner of Tony Robbins from 1993 – 97. In 1995, Carrie’s family was the second in Canada, to bring the cellular industry to the Supreme Court over safety concerns of EMFs. She then went on to write her first book on Fauci and his ‘reclassification’ of AIDs. Then she became the first voice in Canada to speak up about child sexual abuse. As a federal government witness, Carrie has amended and written 14 laws to protect children from predators. Today she speaks about her encounters with ETs, the end of the Mayan Calendar, and is working on her next 3 books.

 

Links

Carriekohan.com

Book: The Five Lessons of Life: A True-Life Story about an Ordinary Woman who Survived Two Extraordinary Near-Death-Experiences in Both Heaven & Hell!

www.chaosandlight.com

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The Talking Circle – Guidelines for Success

The Talking Circle – Guidelines for Success

What is a Talking Circle?

We establish a talking circle whenever a mutually respectful and protected dialogue is desired. It allows for each member to be heard as equals, able to express themselves safely and freely. All in the circle are being held, supported, and respected by their community. A moderator should be designated at the onset of the meeting to ensure these rules are followed and that time sharing is equitable. A moderator should recuse themselves from participating in the conversation during the formal part of the meeting. However, a moderator can ask another member of the circle to fill their position, when they wish to contribute during the formal conversation.

Talking Circle Guidelines

The following are basic guidelines that are universal and allow for a talking circle to function as intended. These guidelines apply to virtual talking circles as well and are easily adapted.

How to Prepare a Talking Circle

The moderator is encouraged to open Sacred Space in a mutually acceptable manner. Generally, sacred space involves calling aloud to each of the Cardinal directions, i.e. (I call to the winds of the East, etc.) as they are associated with the Elements and universal forces of Creation. The Earth is honored, a giving of thanks and gratitude for sustaining our lives. Finally, attention is then directed to the Sky above, the Universe, Creator/Source, Great Mystery, Great Spirit. We acknowledge the unknown in an inclusive manner, all may silently acknowledge the Divine according to their own personal beliefs, in a moment of silent prayer. Opening of Sacred Space sets the tone and intention, providing protections to all members of the Circle.

Candle- Lighting a candle at the onset of the meeting and placing it at the center of the circle is encouraged.  The element of fire is highly symbolic. The candle at the center of the circle can hold many meanings. One of which is a place holder for the eternal soul, acknowledging our Ancestors and departed loved ones. Some may see it as a Portal to which eternal wisdom may be accessed.

Smudging-  An Indigenous tradition recommended at the onset of talking circles. Smudging with dried plants such as Sage, Cedar, or Palo-Santo are traditional choices. Using a Feather, gently fan the smoke starting at head down moving down to feet of each individual. This is to cleanse any negativity they may be carrying with them. A smudge stick should remain burning for the duration of the meeting. When emotions are intense, it’s especially important to use this plant medicine to ward off any negativity.

The Organizer/ Moderator- will share aloud the following guidelines at the onset of each talking circle. All participants will be seated in a circle, turns go in a clockwise fashion. The Moderator will use the same clockwise order of speakers for online gatherings. General time allotments are established, based on total expected meeting length. Limiting speaking times, (1-2 minute blocks of time, for example) maintains the flow and ensures all members will have equal opportunity to share within the Circle. Experiment and adjust accordingly.

Guidelines for Participants

1) Only one person may speak at a time- which is the person holding the talking stick, feather or any object recognized symbolically by the group. Moderators of online circles ensure the order and equitable time for each of the participants. Conversational exchanges are not part of a formal talking circle. However, time may be allowed at the onset or conclusion of the formal meeting for exchanges. For Virtual meetings, the same applies with the exception of the talking stick, the moderator serves on its behalf.  The Speaker will let the circle know they are finished talking, saying “A-ho” is a traditional way of concluding one’s words. The moderator will keep each speaker to their allotted time, preventing interruptions and keeping the conversation moving according to the guidelines established at the onset of the Talking Circle.

2) Introduce yourself- it’s a general custom to begin by introducing yourself in the first round. Introductions are a respectful and polite way to begin sharing one’s perspectives. Use your given name first, followed with any other (spiritually) significant names you may wish to be known by.

3) Speak from your heart- the speaker addresses the entire circle, coming from heart space, with honesty, integrity, and respectfulness. The Circle will establish how long each member may speak on their turn, which is necessary when time is limited. It is important to have respect for the time of others, ensuring all have an opportunity to speak. When finished speaking, pass the talking stick to the person to your left. Moderators will ensure time allotments are adhered to.

If you do not wish to speak at that moment, simply say “I pass” and hand the talking stick to the person to your left. For virtual meetings, moderators, maintain the same speaking order and establish a clockwise movement within the circle, calling on the next speaker. The speaker will say aloud that they’re finished speaking to avoid confusion and delay.

4) Listen with respect, and be present- All members listen attentively and give their support to the speaker. Listening with your heart allows you to hear and feel the speaker’s true intentions. Listen to the speaker in the same manner that you wish to be heard.

5) Do not repeat what was said in the Talking Circle – Depending on the intention of the circle, what is said within the circle stays confidential. This is especially true when the circle is being used for healing. If the circle was used to arrive at a decision, then it’s the final unified decision that is to be shared freely.

6) Speak in the first person narrative- When speaking in the circle, state your feelings and thoughts using “I”, speak for yourself in the first-person narrative. Avoid speaking for others.

7) Do not speak directly to the comments made by another speaker- This includes direct criticisms or even compliments of other speaker’s words. It is best to echo the comments of another if you feel aligned with them. When you disagree with a statement made by another, only offer your own perspective and feelings on that subject.

8) Be humble and respectful of all in the circle –Avoid criticizing or negating the words of others, We are all Equals in the Circle. Speak instead of your own ideas and feelings, I feel- followed by your own perspectives.

Conclude each talking circle by closing sacred space, if it was opened. The organizer should say aloud that the Talking circle is now closed. At this time, conversations may take place or simply conclude the gathering with any final messages. If additional guidance on sacred space, Talking Circle etiquette or any questions, the author (Leslie Hart) is very happy to provide additional assistance.

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The Council Fire Project

The Council Fire Project

 A Call to Mother Earth’s Wisdom Keepers

 

The Council Fire Project represents a reimagined model of collective conversations and decision making. It provides humanity with a blueprint for governance and decision making that is based upon the ancient Circle model. Within the Circle, we are all equal, and therefore we seek to build consensus rather than majority rule. The Council Fire establishes a new Constitutional Law, of which Natural Law and Egalitarian ideals are central. The Council fire Project draws upon the wisdom of the Iroquois Great Law of Peace.

The Council Fire calls for Mother Earth’s wisdom keepers to come together, to communicate and spring forth from the shadows. It is beyond time for us to take our rightful place around the sacred fire, to step into our roles as Leaders. It is time that our collective voices are heard globally, that we come together to form a powerful organization. Its time for those of us who are drawn to ancient indigenous wisdom and knowledge, to revolutionize our world.

We are at a time of immense transition, which presents humanity with great opportunities, but also brings with it great peril. We find ourselves in a pivotal period of time, where humanity’s next stage of evolution will be decided. This stage of evolution coincides with what is being described as a great global Awakening , bringing forth a transcendental shift in our collective consciousness.

We must transcend our limiting beliefs and social constructs, we must evolve to realize our true potential. Our very survival depends upon our recognition of the role we are playing in the destruction of our Mother Earth and the  life that she sustains. We must rediscover those ancient egalitarian practices, and come back into balance with the natural world, of which we are inseparable.

In nature, all species play an instinctual role in maintaining balance and contributing to the ongoing cycle of life here on Mother Earth. Human beings are the only species that are born lacking the innate knowledge of who we are and where we fit into the circle of life. The Lakota express our connection to the Natural World with the phrase- “Mitakuye Oyasin” meaning that we are all related, all are my relations. It is also a prayer which extends to all people, all forms of life, all that comprises Mother Earth and beyond.

What is the next phase of Human Evolution?

Well that depends upon all of us, as it’s a choice that we must decide upon collectively. Will we choose a path that is in balance with our natural world? A path that is of sustainability, that is based on Indigenous Egalitarian beliefs. These beliefs are not only that all people are created equal, deserving equal rights and opportunities, but also extends to all life upon Mother Earth. The Ancient Egalitarian societies, acknowledges that all life is sacred.  A sacred rule that humans may draw from the natural world only what is actually needed for us to survive, and nothing more. The Indigenous Peoples also revered Natural Law, which is that a creator source supersedes the Law of Men. That all people are Sovereign individuals, that we have a Natural right to life and freedom to make our own decisions.

There are many who are working to define what our next phase of human evolution may look like. Of these voices, I share;

Author Dr. Alberto Villoldo speaks to this next phase of human evolution, referring to it as becoming Homo Luminous.

Setting the Stage for the Sages and Wisdom Keepers

Collectively, humanity has the following choice, evolve as a species, or become extinct as one. This is the precipice we stand upon. Unlike previous species on our planet who have gone extinct either through natural selection, a cataclysmic event or because of human activity. We as human beings are now conscious of the impact we have upon the natural world, and for an unknown period of time, still hold the power to change the course of our Destiny.

How do we make this transition from where we are now, to where and whom we wish to collectively be? I believe answers await us in conversations yet to be held around the coming Council fires. I will do my part, to build these fires, to set the stage for the sages and wisdom keepers of our time. I cry out to each of you, step out of the shadows, seek out and share with our world sacred knowledge, and timeless wisdom.

Archetypal energies

There our certain archetypal energies that transcend cultures, through out our collective history. These Archetypal energies permeate pop culture in all sorts of surprising ways, and it is even expressed within our music. What does the legendary band Led Zeppelin have in common with the Southwestern Native Americans? In Led Zeppelins song Stairway to Heaven, they reference a Piper. This Piper is an Archetypal energy that has similarities to one found in the folklore of  Native Americans.  I propose that this Archetypal energy transcends all cultures, that it is a universal energy and conscious.   I call upon Kokopelli, the bringer of life, to play your flute for us once again! Will you, answer this call and help show us the way forward?

A Piper, one that will lead humanity back to Reason.

The following video contains petroglyphs, depictions of the flute-playing god Kokopelli. Among Southwestern Native Americans, He is known as the god of fertility, a prankster, healer, and wonderful storyteller. Some of the first petroglyphs of Kokopelli were carved over 3,000 years ago. Legends suggest that the hunch on his back depicts a sack of seeds and the songs he carries. Bringing forth life, abundant crops, vegetation, and rebirth. It is believed that his flute playing symbolized the transition of winter to spring, the time for renewal.

Of legend, it’s said that Kokopelli’s flute could be heard in the spring’s breeze while bringing back warmth to the land. It is also believed that he was the source of human conception, a bringer of fertility in every sense. I introduce Kokopelli to you as a source of divine renewal, music-making, of dancing, celebration, and the bringer of joy to all he encounters. I ask Kokopelli to play his flute once again for us, to let his songs be heard in the wind, leading us back to our ancient roots of living in balance with the natural world. I can think of no better symbol or representation of a Piper, one that will lead humanity back to Reason.  (Will you join us? Contact me if you wish to answer this call.)

THE PIPER WILL LEAD US TO REASON

In a tree by the brook
There’s a songbird who sings,
Sometimes all of our thoughts are misgiven.

Ooh, it makes me wonder, Ooh, it makes me wonder.

There’s a feeling I get
When I look to the west,
And my spirit is crying for leaving.

In my thoughts I have seen
Rings of smoke through the trees,
And the voices of those who standing looking.

Ooh, it makes me wonder, Ooh, it really makes me wonder.

And it’s whispered that soon, If we all call the tune
Then the piper will lead us to reason.

And a new day will dawn , For those who stand long
And the forests will echo with laughter. ~ Led Zepplin

Stairway to Heaven on Native Flute

(c) Can Stock Photo / frenta